Category Archives: Japan Scene

Is Hikikomori (Extreme Social Withdrawal) a Global Epidemic?

Posted on January 14, 2020 by editor

In the late 1990s, just as home computers and internet access were becoming ubiquitous, people in Japan began paying closer attention to a severe form of social withdrawal—marked by the desire to be alone in one’s bedroom—that was becoming commonplace among adolescent boys. … Continue reading →

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…they have seen a great light

Posted on January 6, 2020 by editor

Fr. Bernard ONDAP OMI – Last December 26-27, 2019, the Japan Oblate Delegation, joined by four diocesan clergy from Takamatsu Diocese, came together for the annual Christmas at Nakajimacho Parish Rectory in Kochi, Japan. The simple yet very meaningful atmosphere … Continue reading →

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Childhood in Japan is certainly not getting any easier

Posted on December 29, 2019 by editor

The girl was 15, the teacher in his early 30s. He recognized her ability, encouraged her, befriended her, seduced her. He took her to a love hotel and said, “This is what grown-ups do.”

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Babies born in Japan to drop below 900,000 in 2019 for first time

Posted on December 25, 2019 by editor

The number of babies born in Japan fell an estimated 5.9 percent this year to fewer than 900,000, the first time since the government started compiling data in 1899, the welfare ministry said Tuesday.

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Japan’s crime rate hits postwar low, but report shows rise in child abuse, domestic violence and offenses by the elderly

Posted on November 30, 2019 by editor

The transition from Heisei to Reiwa came at a relatively peaceful time, with the nation’s crime rate falling to a postwar low in 2018, an annual white paper released Friday by the Justice Ministry has shown.

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What does it mean to be Japanese and Catholic? Pope Francis in Japan raises the question

Posted on November 25, 2019 by editor

For centuries, Japanese intellectuals, emperors, and missionaries have asked the same question: What does it mean to be both Japanese and Catholic?

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Archbishop Kikuchi of Tokyo Appeals for Japanese Society to Recognize that Life from Conception to Death Is Invaluable (from Papal Flight)

Posted on November 23, 2019 by editor

Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, warns some of his population risks extinction due to cultural standards and has made a strong appeal to recognize protecting life from conception to natural death.

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‘Work takes priority over religion in Japan’, says Oblate priest ahead of Pope’s visit

Posted on November 22, 2019 by editor

Ahead of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Japan, an OMI missionary priest explores how the face of the local Catholic Church is changing and the challenges of preaching the Gospel where people give priority to work, not religion.

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From child prostitution to nuclear arms, Pope has a big agenda in Asia

Posted on November 19, 2019 by editor

When Pope Francis embarks on the 32nd trip of his pontificate Tuesday, headed towards Thailand and Japan, he will once again be visiting nations where Catholics are a small minority. In both countries, there’s one Catholic for every 200 people, … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis is going to Japan and Thailand: Here’s what you need to know

Posted on November 19, 2019 by editor

Pope Francis returns to Asia on Nov. 19 for a visit to Thailand and Japan, two predominantly Buddhist countries where Christians remain a tiny minority. He goes to encourage the small Catholic community in each country, foster dialogue with the … Continue reading →

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